School Age Care

The School Age Program provides before and after school care geared toward youth whose parents work full time. The Wayne County School System provides bus service, to and from the Youth Center, Meadow Lane Elementary and Greenwood Middle schools. The program conducts educational and recreational programming for youth, 6 to 12 years of age, and proudly boasts their accreditation by the National School-Age Care Alliance. Cost is based upon total family income. USDA quality meals and snacks are provided while youth are in attendance at no additional cost. If you are interested in enrolling your child in our program contact the School Age Program Coordinator at 919-722-0396. When enrolling your child, please bring the child’s birth certificate and immunization record.

The School Age Program also offers hourly care — space permitting. Drop-in Care allows you to use care during the week, not to exceed two days in a week, as well as “school out” days. The rate for hourly care is $3 an hour. Sign up at the Youth Center in advance. Current shot records are required, including influenza.

Social Recreation Program

The Social Recreation aspect of Youth Programs is designed especially for youth between the ages of 10 to 18 (and still in high school). Core programming utilizes Air Force criteria, Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and 4‐H curriculums. Programs are varied to promote character development, educational and career opportunities, fitness and social recreation, health and life skills, plus the arts and creative expression. Staff are specially trained with tools and program support to develop, plan, implement, evaluate and improve programs and maximize their ability to serve young people.

Membership

Being a Youth Programs member entitles the participant to membership privileges such as discounted Youth Sports fees and an assortment of programs geared towards ages 10-18. Youth Programs membership fees are $36 annually. Membership benefits include the following:

Reduced pricing on Youth Programs field trips and activities

Reduced cost for sports programs

No daily participation fee

For those who might only use the program during the summer months, pay $15 for June-August and receive summertime benefits, i.e. daily self-directed recreation usage, reduction in specialty camp fees, reduced field trip costs, etc.

Air Force Youth Programs coordinate the Congressional Award, a non-competitive program which recognizes excellence in initiative, achievement, and service among young persons ages 14-23. Youth are challenged to set goals in the following:

Keystone Club & Teen Council—this is for youth ages 13-18. Members consist of teens who determine policy and procedure needs as well. They acquire character and leadership skills, explore careers and educational opportunities, provide service to their center and community, learn about the free enterprise system, learn about and practice an appreciation for the diversity in others while enhancing their social skills. Members are elected to serve as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer within the club. Teen Council members advocate for all youth on the installation and brief senior leadership on teen issues and concerns.

The Torch Club functions much like the Keystone Club and is for youth 9 – 12 years old. The Torch Club provides preteens the opportunity to be involved in determining upcoming activities, learning about teamwork and community service.

The Youth of the Quarter/Year Program is one of many available through the center’s affiliation with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Through daily interactions with the youth, program staff encourage and reinforce traits and values such as caring, honesty, fairness, responsibility and respect as they work towards character development. Each quarter, youth have an opportunity to demonstrate their achievements in home and family leadership, moral character, community, school leadership and service, life goals and obstacles overcome. Quarterly winners compete for SJAFB Youth of the Year and a chance to compete at higher levels to include regional and national competitions. The rewards of the program are vast, from personal growth and the opportunity to represent the base community to college scholarships.

National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies

The National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) website provides valuable information on the Air Force’s Growing Spaces initiatives as we continue our efforts to support families seeking affordable, quality care when on-base care is not available or nearby.

Sign up for WINK: A Youth Sponsorship Program

Are you PCSing to or from Seymour Johnson AFB with children? Youth ages 5-18 may make new friends and connect with kids their age by signing up for a pen pal and learning about the base before arriving. (U18 with parent’s permission)

ABOUT 4 FSS

The 4th Force Support Squadron enhances combat readiness, retention and morale through programs promoting well-being and quality of life for 4th Fighter Wing personnel and their dependents.